Almost 10 months ago, I began my journey as a blogger. I’d been stifled by the idleness of having had nothing meaningful to do during my spare time, but this all changed when I ventured into blogging. I doted on the concept of expressing myself on a professional yet personalised stage, and it quickly became the ideal supplement to placate my woes. Except, this only lasted 8 months. Roughly 2 months ago, I made the decision to take a step back from blogging for awhile. I wanted to revisit the unremarkable placidity of my bygone days. I wanted to express myself without being confined by the rules that I’d set for myself. I wanted to liberate myself from the shackles that had saved me. It’s all ironic, isn’t it?
Why I decided to take a break
The biggest goal I’d set for myself before my hiatus had been to publish daily posts or even weekly posts of my writing, but I was soon forced to acknowledge the reality that such a goal had been too daunting of a challenge for me given the commitments I had and with my temperament. Writing became a mental struggle. It was exhausting, and it only served to add more stress. I detested writing for the sake of it, and eventually started being disapproving of my own writing. By then, I knew I had to take some time away from it all.
What the break did for me
This hiatus gave my mind respite from the usual strains. I no longer felt the need to obsess with critically analysing everything I watch. I was once more graced by the joy of letting myself be carried away by a show, immersing in its enchanting storytelling and all else it had to offer. It felt natural and addictive. I no longer forced myself to think about what this or that signified in the grand scheme of things, like what a protagonist’s choice of weapon symbolised or what the heroine’s favourite colour hinted at. I managed to find more time to spend on other things, like sleep! But more than anything else, these past few months has let me realise how far I had strayed from my initial ambitions. It reminded me of why I wanted to write in the first place.
So, what now?
Well, I’ve realised that writing to me meant more than just putting out posts on a frequent basis. I’ve always wanted to write to the best of my ability, to write with a vigour and passion that would awe a reader. But the reality for someone like me is that it takes time, persistence and in fact the right amount of interest to be fully invested in expressing myself properly. As much as I get really uncomfortable leaving the website unattended for long periods of time, It might be healthier for me to only post my writing when I know that I can write satisfactorily. Quality over quantity I guess. We’ll see.
Thanks for reading, truly!
[Header image: pinterest]
TigerAnime 
It’s great hearing back from you, Tiger. I hope you’re doing alright.
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Thanks! I’m doing really well actually, which is why I found the time to write a post. Hope you’ve been well too 🙂
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You’re welcome. I’m glad to hear that. I’m doing alright even though I’ve been very busy with work and other things. Unfortunately, I haven’t watched or reviewed anime since Hikaru no Go last month. Also, thanks for checking out my Camp de Thiaroye review!
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Hmm I do hope you’re having enough time to rest well every so often. I myself have only watched 2 anime since March. No problem! That was a fantastic review. It was a fascinating read.
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Thanks. I’m doing my best to rest well and to stay sane here despite these anxious times.
Nice! I appreciate that.
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It’s good to hear from you again. Sounds like your break allowed you to sort some things out and I think it’s good that you’ve decided to post at your own pace going forward.
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That makes perfect sense to me and it’s something I think about a lot. I never set out to be a season anime blogger and originally just focused on season reviews and my fiction writing. Lately, it’s been almost all blogging and my fiction writing has taken a back seat. I’m currently thinking about the best way to find some balance. Good luck coming to a decision and I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end.
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Thank you! Yeah, it’s never easy to find that balance. Hopefully we’ll find it soon! 🙂
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I can understand to a degree as I am one of the most inconsistent bloggers out their. I just say write what makes you happy no matter how long it takes. Take care and be safe, looking forward to the next post no matter what it is.
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That’s something I’m definitely constantly working towards. Thank you! I hope you’re doing well and staying safe too 🙂
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Welcome back! And I know what you mean, taking breaks and going with a schedule that works for you is the best way to go, yeah
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Yeah truly. It’s a little disappointing but I guess I can’t help it for now. Thank you 🙂
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Welcome back, Tiger!! I guess what you experienced was basically a small (hopefully) blogging burn out. Taking breaks really work wonders!! Either way, great to see you back 🙂
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Thanks Keni 🙂
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Welcome back Tiger!! I was in such a situation myself and it’s really okay to take any and all time you need to feel back the fun in writing ❤ How are you now? How is your life in lockdown? ❤
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I’m lucky to be doing great, thank you! Lockdown was a much needed breather for me I think haha. What about you? Hope you and your loved ones are all good and well yourself!
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That’s great news! The lockdown did me good to, and now I’m spending much time with my family. How was your week?
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That’s nice. My week was great! I got to spend some extra time with my family as well, and it was really nice 🙂
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😀
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What you just wrote is exactly how I have been feeling as well. I am new to blogging, but always loved writing. Making a schedule and keeping up with regularly posts became tedious and exhausting. Self-care is more important than anything, in my opinion. Take care of yourself and lets be happy writing.
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Thank you! Yeah, I guess these sentiments are common among us newer bloggers. Writing is indeed my favourite way to express myself, but I was naive to expect it to be all roses and sunshines, especially when you’re on that grind. You take care yourself!
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It is funny that you should mention “unremarkable placidity.” Most of my life has been a struggle to escape from this and find adventure. I managed to have a couple minor escapades but nothing compared to what I wanted. I always ended up falling back into unremarkable placidity, which to me is just stagnation and soon depression. It was difficult to love a life with so little content.
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I feel you, which is why sometimes we find ourselves doing things we never thought we would. Heck, I’ never once thought I’d get into writing my own blog, but a period of stagnation led me to experience a new adventure. I guess it’s just in our nature to instinctively find things to do to express ourselves and our needs, which is great to tide us through the times when we’re stuck in life.
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When I was young, I was not terribly risk-averse. I wouldn’t do things that would hurt others but as for myself, a little spurt of endorphins, maybe a touch of approval from someone, these were worth some significant risks to myself.
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